At the request of the Solomon Islands Government, Australia is delivering cyber security support for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting through its regional Cyber RAPID program.
The deployment includes cyber specialists from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Samoa, operating under the Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network, cyber security experts from private firm CyberCX and Australian Government officials. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of Pacific partnerships in delivering effective cyber security solutions.
In preparation for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, Cyber RAPID has established dedicated secure networks at event venues to ensure safe internet connectivity for delegates. A Security Information and Event Management system has also been deployed to monitor network activity and respond to potential cyber threats.
Cyber RAPID will work closely with Solomon Islands Government ICT Services and the Solomon Islands Computer Emergency Response Team to monitor systems and provide incident response support during Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton said “as Solomon Islands’ primary security partner, Australia is committed to supporting the Solomon Islands Government’s operations to ensure the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting is safe and secure – both offline and online.”
“Australia’s Cyber RAPID deployment, along with the deployment of cyber expertise from Pacific Islands countries, demonstrates that cyber security is best delivered from within the Pacific region,” said High Commissioner Hilton.
Beyond the immediate support for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, the deployment will also deliver training and capacity building for Solomon Islands Government ICT Services and the Solomon Islands Computer Emergency Response Team staff. This component of the project aims to strengthen Solomon Islands’ sovereign cyber security capabilities, ensuring long-term resilience and preparedness for future major events.
“I am pleased that the deployed cyber security experts will not only be helping Solomon Islands to monitor and protect its vital networks but will also help to develop Solomon Islands’ sovereign cyber security capabilities – both systems and personnel skills – that will endure into the future,” said High Commissioner Hilton.
